Effects of Tai Chi Exercise Versus BINGO on Fine Motor Functions in Older Adults

Abstract

Tai Chi exercise (TC) improves gross motor skills in older adults; however, fine motor skills, which enhance performance of daily living activities (ADLs), have not been thoroughly examined. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of TC versus BINGO on fine motor skills in older adults. METHODS: Twenty-seven self-ambulatory older adults (age: 76 ±9.00; female: N = 26) with no restrictive health conditions and MMSE score ≥ 21, completed this study. Participants engaged in 1-hour, twice-per-week TC or BINGO sessions for 8 weeks (wk). Fine motor skills were assessed using the unilateral Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), including 7 ADL-like tasks; less time (s) to complete a task reflected better performance. Repeated measures 2x4 [2(TC x BINGO) x 4(Baseline x Intraintervention x Post x Retention)] ANOVA was used with alpha of 0.05; data was analyzed separately for each hand. RESULTS: There were no significant group differences (p > 0.05). Significant time main effects were found for 6 tasks using the dominant hand (DH) and 7 tasks using the nondominant hand (NH) (Table 1). Significant time x group interaction was found for simulated feeding using the DH (p = 0.001). TC improved by 1.69 s across the 8-wk intervention, with a 1.23 s improvement after 4 wk. BINGO improved by 0.07 s across the 8 wk. Significant time x group interaction was also found for lifting large, heavy objects using the NH (p = 0.039). TC improved by 0.65 s across the 8 wk intervention, with a 0.50 s improvement after 4 wk. BINGO improved by 0.09 s across 8 wk. CONCLUSION: This study was one of the first to explore the effects of TC on fine motor functions. TC does not demand precise finger movements such as those required for BINGO; however, improvements specific to tasks requiring eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, wrist range of motion, and hand grip strength were noted 4 wk into the TC intervention. TC may improve fine motor functions in older adults. Supported by MSU College of Education.